State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj today made remarks at a joint meeting of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs held at Bangladesh Secretariat here this morning. Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, April 19, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj today said if cultural practices are ensured at school level, there will be no place for extremism in the country.

He made the remarks at a joint meeting of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs held at Bangladesh Secretariat here this morning.

Bobby Hajjaj said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given clear instructions to strengthen cultural activities in educational curriculum.

Following his instructions, the state minister said, initiatives have been taken to include cultural activities in the curriculum that help develop students' creativity, human values and moral consciousness in a more extensive and effective manner.

He said participation in activities such as music, drama, debate and painting encourages positive thinking among students while promoting teamwork, tolerance and a sense of humanity.
 
The cultural practices reduce their attraction to radical thinking, he said.
 
As a result, he said, cultural practices are not just a means of entertainment, but also work as an effective way to build a healthy, conscious and humane generation.

Bobby Hajjaj also said primary education forms the foundation of students' lives.
 
"To further strengthen and enrich that foundation, we have taken a plan to strengthen cultural activities in the primary education curriculum. To this end, necessary training will be provided to teachers of the relevant subjects," he added.
 
In addition, the state minister said, regular training of students will be arranged through the expert training team of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Speaking at the meeting, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom said there is no alternative to cultural activities to build a healthy, creative and conscious generation.
 
"We are taking coordinated initiatives to further expand and develop cultural practices among students. These activities will be implemented soon to achieve the set goal quickly," he said.

Primary and Mass Education Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula and Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Abu Noor Md Shamsuzzaman among others, were present at the meeting.